A half-day tour of the city and nearby Inca ruins begins at Koricancha, which was the Inca’s sumptuous Temple of Sun before becoming the Spaniard’s Santo Domingo church. The Inca stonework here is perhaps the finest to be seen anywhere and it has remained standing for centuries whilst the Spanish construction has succumbed to earthquakes.
Next visit the cavernous cathedral on the Plaza de Armas which was built between 1560 and 1664 out of slabs of red granite taken from the Inca site of Sacsayhuaman. Visit this ruined ceremonial centre itself by driving out into the hills surrounding the city. This site is believed to be the ‘head’ of the original puma layout of Cuzco and is a breathtaking display of Inca building skills, consisting as it does of zigzag terraces and ramparts 300 metres in length.
You also drive to see three other nearby sites. Firstly, Tambomachay, which is an Inca fountain and ritual bathing centre. Secondly Qenqo, which is a great stone carved with steps and pictures and a sacrificial table. Finally you will stop off at Puca Pucara, which is known for a large rock that looks very red, the name literally meaning "Red Rock".
The order in which the ruins are visited will depend on local conditions as the guides will endeavour to visit each set of ruins at their quietest.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Peru specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Chinchero Market & Ruins
During your day of exploration, you visit the colourful local market in the town of Chinchero. This is one of the most traditional markets in all of South America, and you will be surrounded by locals in their traditional dress all buying and selling their produce.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek
The trail takes you through small hamlets and affords stunning views of the Sacred Valley and Písac below. The trail climbs steadily to a pass at 4,200 m, beyond which you will descend to a beautiful canyon, where a picnic lunch is served.
Moray, Maras & Ollantaytambo
Visit the Maras salt pans, the experimental agricultural terraces of Moray and the remnants of Ollantaytambo, once an important Inca administrative centre.
Písac Market and Ruins
In the small colonial village of Písac, spend the morning exploring the colourful Indian market, with its wide variety of textiles and ceramics.
White water rafting on the Urubamba
Today will take you above Cuzco to the Chuquicahuana section of the Urubamba River to raft on class III-IV rapids. Here the river is much cleaner and more fun than in the lower sections, and no previous experience is necessary.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
